Synopsis: THE EUCHARIST, FONT OF CHRISTIAN MORALITY

VATICAN CITY, JUL 7, 2005 (VIS) - Given below is a synopsis of the "Instrumentum laboris" (working document) for the Eleventh Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled to be held in the Vatican from October 2 to 23, 2005 on the theme: "The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church."

The Instrumentum laboris is made up of a preface, an introduction, four sections each divided into two chapters, and a conclusion. It was drawn up on the basis of responses to the "Lineamenta" sent by the secretariat of the Synod of Bishops to episcopal conferences, Eastern Catholic Churches, dicasteries of the Roman Curia and the Union of Superiors General.

"The question of great pastoral concern, episcopal responsibility and prophetic vision is to see how (the) rich patrimony of faith can be implemented in the Catholic Church ... in the initial years of the third millennium of Christianity and beyond," says the preface, adding: "This document then is principally concentrated on the positive aspects of the celebration of the Eucharist which bring the faithful together and make them a community."

Part one, entitled "the Eucharist and today's world," analyses the historical context in which the Synod is to take place, "a period marked by strong contrasting forces within the human family." With concrete reference to the problem of hunger in the world, the document says: "This dramatic situation is an inescapable reality in the discussion of the synod fathers, who, like every Christian at various times during the day, pray to the Lord: 'give us this day our daily bread'."

Attention is then given to the situation of the Church around the world, noting that attendance at Sunday Mass "is high in various particular Churches in the countries of Africa and also in some Asian countries. The opposite is the case in the majority of countries in Europe, America and Oceania."

Part two, "the faith of the Church in the mystery of the Eucharist," concentrates on the manner in which the Eucharistic mystery is perceived among the faithful, highlighting how the nuances of such perception change according to cultural context: "In those countries enjoying a general climate of peace and prosperity - primarily western countries - many perceive the Eucharistic mystery as simply the fulfillment of a Sunday obligation and a meal of fellowship. Instead, in those countries experiencing wars and other difficulties, many understand the Eucharistic mystery more fully, that is, including its sacrificial aspect."

Space is also dedicated to deficiencies in the celebration the Eucharist which "challenge a sense of the sacred." These include neglectfulness in the use of correct liturgical vestments, participants wearing unbefitting clothing, or the scant architectural and artistic quality of church buildings. However, "all these negative realities, occurring more often in the Latin liturgy than the liturgies of the Eastern Churches, should not lead to great alarm, since they seem to be limited."

Part three, "the Eucharist in the life of the Church," details the correct celebration of Mass, from the opening rites to the conclusion and the significance of liturgical norms, described as "guides for entering into mystery."

The fourth and final part of the document concerns "the Eucharist in the mission of the Church." It emphasizes the Eucharist's importance as the "font of Christian morality," recalling that it "has always empowered the choices and the ethical and moral behavior of believers." In this context the document discusses the Eucharist's association with peace, unity and ecumenism as well as with such questions as inculturation and intercommunion.